Hoyer Statement on Death of American Personnel in Libya

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement condemning the attack that killed four American personnel in Libya, including Ambassador Christopher Stevens:

"I was deeply saddened to learn this morning of the news from Libya of the tragic death of Ambassador Christopher Stevens, Foreign Service Information Management Officer Sean Smith and two other American personnel in an attack in Benghazi. Their families are in my prayers today. Ambassador Stevens and Sean Smith were distinguished career diplomats who embodied the best of our Foreign Service and were instrumental in helping Libya’s democratic transition.

"Yesterday’s horrific attack is a reminder to all of us that there are thousands of heroic Americans serving our country overseas every day, and that they deserve our gratitude and recognition. Some wear the uniform of our Armed Forces, others doctors' robes. From humanitarian workers to the seasoned negotiators in our embassies, those who serve us overseas do so in spite of the dangers they expect to face. Through their service, they show the world the best of America.

"Yesterday, four of these proud Americans paid the ultimate price, in the name of the values that make our nation so great - the protection of basic rights, religious freedom, and the development of democratic institutions. The extremists who carried out this horrendous attack will not change our unswerving commitment to these values and they must be brought to swift justice."